Off the Scale (2012)Solo Cornet & Brass Band

Difficulty: 5Duration: c. 3 minutesPublisher: Studio Music Company

Composed in 2012 for virtuoso cornettist Harmen Vanhoorne, Off the Scale is a short but explosive exploration in tension and release. The solo line itself is constantly at odds with these two perspectives. It balances a set of angular, chromatic and arpeggiated riff figures with rhythmically and harmonically unstable accompaniments and a constantly expanding, flowing and understated lyrical theme.

In music pressure can come in many forms; a looming deadline, the musical expectations of others and meeting one's own creative standards. In the case of this piece I feel the threat of the above had a very positive effect on my writing. During of a period of drastic change and tension across my work and family life, creating Off the Scale unexpectedly proved to be an oasis of calm. A sense of positive tension, anticipation and adrenaline took over my process, leading the piece to reveal itself easily.

It is music that is at times intense, erratic, exciting and beautiful; ironically much like Harmen himself.